First, apologies for not posting for a very long time. I have been diligently working on my 365 Days of Art Challenge. I started watercolors, which I love. I never thought I could draw so I didn't even bother to try. I realize now that you just have to deconstruct the image. Then once you have the basic shell down, the watercolors do all the rest. I will post some of my work at a later time. Now on to my new favorite obsession! Cross stitch on chicken wire.
Last year I found this inspiration piece on Pinterest. I love the look but really felt that I 1) didn't have a large enough wall to hang this large of a peg board; and 2) that it would be a real challenge to work with that medium because it doesn't bend. It seems like it would be a real gross motor activity to produce this work.
So I started looking and thinking of an alternative canvas. I was at Lowes last week when it came to me: chicken wire! It is bendy so it can be rolled up to make it easier to work with. Plus I love the juxtaposition of mediums - the hard, industrial look of the chicken wire and the softness of the yarn.
I found a neat old school rose cross stitch pattern on Pinterest. I had an old picture frame I wanted to repurpose so I cut the chicken wire several inches bigger than the frame. I put duct tape around the cut edges so it didn't tear up my hands/arms/legs while I was working with it. I used garden cutters to cut the wire because I didn't have wire cutters. It worked pretty well. But it did leave a rather jagged edge that you really need to cover up so it doesn't hurt you.
This is the final, framed picture. I really like the openness of the work. I have the picture just sitting in the frame until I can have my son in law frame it tightly for me. I want to hang on my back porch so it will be right at home there.
What do you think? I rather love it! I found two large poster frames at a yard sale last weekend and they will be my next project. I will make sure to post them also.
